We must be cautious before asking for changes to the taxation model for hospital upgrades.
This from the mayor of Trail Mike Martin who is reacting to Nelson’s call for an urgent review by the province in the way taxpayers fund hospital upgrades.
Nelson says using property tax for our share of costs isn’t suitable as this primary revenue source is already stretched thin and cannot sustain the burden of hospital costs as well.
But Trail’s mayor says the current system of locals paying 40% of costs serves us well because it ensures local taxpayers -via their elected representatives on the regional hospital board – have a say in hospital capital projects.
Some years ago we had no influence as the province alone dictated spending.
Martin says he was surprised by Nelson’s call for change.
Regional taxpayers will be expected to pay $16 million of the $40 million dollar upgrade to KBRH in Trail.